Ale and hearty – but next time I’m having a drink...

Gillian Parkinson enjoys a day at the coast and a fine meal at the Palatine

A trip to the seaside for lunch out with a couple of former colleagues.

It sounded like a great way to spend a few hours, reminiscing about old times over a bite to eat.

Then came the sting in the tale.

We were heading to a real ale pub. And I was the designated driver!

So this was how pleased I was to see my old muckers...I spent a couple of hours in a pub serving Lancaster Blonde...and nursed a half as the other two filled their boots on beer and wine.

That’s sacrifice for you.

After negotiating the rage-inducing traffic in Lancaster and being lucky enough to find a promenade-side car parking space in Morecambe, the two of us from the southerly regions of Lancashire (Preston and Chorley to be precise) ventured inside the doors of The Palatine pub to find our pal.

She was already half way through a glass of sauvignon blanc as she perused the menu...it was going to be a long lunchtime.

A pint and a half of the aforementioned blond ale ordered, we sat down to decide on our food choices and catch up with the latest gossip.

After much pondering, particularly over the fishy offerings on the specials board, we all went for options available on the main menu.

The pie was a delight. Huge chunks of steak in a delicious gravy, with a basket of chips and some home-made mushy peas on the side.

The hotpot arrived with a side dish of red cabbage – every piece of which was dispatched – and a couple of pieces of baguette for wiping the dish.

Again, this was a hit.

There had been much deliberation regarding whether our colleague should go for the nine or 12-in pizza.

Greediness won out, but in this case, eyes were definitely bigger than belly and he was forced to leave a couple of slices, even though he was impressed with the spiciness of the chilli-strewn topping.

In fact it was so spicy he needed a drink to help cool down. Hmmm.

We still had plenty of catching up to do, so I ordered a filter coffee while the other two imbibed a couple more drinks.

The Palatine is a proper pub with delicious, good value food, a good wine list and some great beers, plus its an excuse for a day out in sunny Morecambe.

I’ll be heading back. And next time I won’t be driving...

The Crescent, Morecambe, LA4 5BZ

Call us on 01524 410503

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